Review of: Sonics 151, Nuggets 147 Double OT

Whew! What a game! It was one of the better games in my three years covering the Sonics and easily the best game of this season. The Sonics played with a passion not seen here in a few weeks and jumped on the backs of rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green who carried them to victory.

The veterans helped out, but this was a night for the rookies and the Sonics’ long-term potential. Now can you imagine the Sonics adding a high lottery pick such as Derrick Rose? Wow, the ceiling is high and let’s see if it comes to fruition in Seattle. Much props to the fans, all 13,104, who came out to KeyArena and made it a pretty crazy place down the stretch. I wasn’t here in the good ol’ days but I could imagine tonight was something like those days.

Durant didn’t back down then the Nuggets defense kept pushing him for his favorite positions on the floor. He did most of his damage in the second half and overtime from the free-throw line and it was good to see that he is so comfortable taking the late-game shots. He drained 3-pointers to send the game into the first overtime and the second overtime.

I was most impressed with Green because he dominated his matchup with Kenyon Martin and didn’t back down from the physical play. He scored 24 points with seven rebounds in the second half and overtime and hit some big shots. Most importantly, he stayed away from launching 3-pointers, attempting just one in that span.

The Sonics can take solace that they were spoilers for at least one night and they will have five more chances to affect seeding with games at Dallas, Houston and San Antonio a home game with Dallas and road game at Golden State.

Jeff Green — A stellar night with 35 points and 10 rebounds and fought Martin all night for a fun-to-watch matchup — A

Nick Collison — Another double-double with 19 points ands 14 rebounds, although his jumper was off. But that can be worked on — B+

Johan Petro — Got into early foul trouble and had no rebounds in 15 minutes, a disappointing effort — D

Kevin Durant — The type of game that makes scouts salivate and he also added nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals — B+

Earl Watson – Came through with 16 points and 11 assists, although he missed 10 shots — B-

Francisco Elson — Took eight shots in 18 minutes but needed to concentrate more on rebounding and defense — C

Luke Ridnour — Hit those key jumpers down the stretch and came through with eight assists and no turnovers, a sparkling night — A-